Philippine billiards legend Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes is set to lead Team Asia in the inaugural Reyes Cup, which will take place from October 15 to 18.
It's time for billiards to return to the spotlight, at least if Efren "Bata" Reyes had anything to say about it.
The Philippine billiards legend, hailed as "The Magician" for his seemingly impossible trick plays, said he was hopeful about reviving interest in the sport--especially with the emergence of Asian rivals.
"Kahit sa ibang bansa ngayon lumalaki na rin. ‘Yung Vietnam, wala dating billiards ‘yan," he said on One News’ The Long Take with Red Ollero.
He also emphasized that it would be even greater if Filipino players continue to show determination in representing the country in the sport.
Reyes spoke to One News after the launch of the inaugural Reyes Cup, where he will lead Team Asia against 2010 world eight-ball champion Karl Boyes of Team Europe from October 15 to 18 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
[ALSO READ: 'GOAT of our sport': Karl Boyes gives ultimate compliment to billiards legend Efren 'Bata' Reyes ahead of first-ever Reyes Cup]
Often referred to as the Michael Jordan of billiards, Reyes humorously highlighted the challenges of his fame.
"Kahit saan ako mapunta, puro kilala ako, hindi lang naman dito sa atin, kung ‘di sa buong mundo, meron din ‘yan. Kaya lang, bawat punta ko, nakakapagod," he said.
The 70-year-old also pointed out that billiards is not the only sport that can experience a resurgence; any sport can do so.
He also reflected on the recent Olympic Games and whether billiards--or any cue sports for that matter--would be included.
In 1998, the WCBS (World Confederation of Billiards Sports) has been recognized by the International Olympic Committee.
In the recently-concluded Paris 2024, the discipline was not part of the program. However, billiards was allowed to provide demonstrations and introductions.
Cue sports have yet to make the cut... even for Los Angeles 2028.
"Inaasahan ko talagang magkaroon ng [billiards] sa Olympics. Dito nga sa SEA Games eh, nagkaka-gold tayo. Kaya lang sa Olympics dati, lahat ng athletes natin nahihirapan makakuha ng gold," Reyes said.
"Nag-demonstrate na ‘yan kung saan ilalagay--kung individual o sa team, eh inuna ‘yung team."
"Eh kaso kahit sa individual, ayaw na rin maglagay kasi ako rin daw ang nananalo," he added with a laugh.
But what if billiards did make it in Los Angeles? Would Bata join?
"Nahihiya na ako sumali. Baka sabihin ng mga kapwa kong mga player na gumagaling, nagpursigi pa naman sila tapos ako pa rin maglalaro? Tulungan ko na lang sila," he said.
The most important thing in improving, he said, is to maintain humility and consistency.
"Kailangan n’yan mabatak ka sa paglalaro nang ikaw lang mag-isa. Hindi naman gumagaling dahil magaling 'yung kalaban eh. Maglaro mula umaga hanggang gabi. Kapag gano’n, pwede ma-improve ‘yon," he noted.
"Kung gusto nila mag-training, punta lang sila d’yan kay Boss Puyat, tapos tuturuan ko sila do’n."
"The Magician" nickname is well-earned because of his mindboggling tricks. However, Reyes admitted that he can no longer perform his old plays due to a shoulder injury: "Hindi ko na kaya itaas [ang kanang balikat ko], puro straight na lang."
"Wala na akong nagagawang mga trick shot, puro ikutan na lang na bola."
Regarding his greatest opponent, Reyes revealed that it is Mike Sigel--dubbed as "Captain Hook".
"Pinakamalupit ‘yon. Kasi noon, siya ang pinakamagaling sa U.S. eh," he said.
There's no tricks now. There's no Olympic medal for him to chase. There's no Captain Hook for him to beat. But at least Reyes wants to lead the next generation of stars in the Reyes Cup.
He has one goal: "Gusto ko manalo!"
"Sa aking mga kababayan, marami na kayong nagtatanong sa akin kung magkakaroon ba ng tournament gaya ng Mosconi Cup, ito na, nagkaroon na [ng] Reyes Cup, kaya pumunta kayo, panoorin niyo."
Watch the interview here: